Habitat preferences of high-altitude Galliformes in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Abstract

In the Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, Himalayan species of Galliformes are poorly studied and their present status is unknown. We studied the distribution of three high-altitude species: Himalayan monal, blood pheasant, and Tibetan snowcock, comparing birds' distribution in relation to altitude and habitat in spring and autumn 2007. Our study area was at 3300-5000 m a.s.l., characterized by subalpine vegetation. A structural description of vegetation types was made on the basis of main habitat features. We observed two different patterns across the year. Group size differences are common during spring and autumn. Variation in habitat use and altitudinal ranges are evident in the snowcock and blood pheasant. The Himalayan monal distribution was influenced by anthropogenic resources. © 2010 Unione Zoologica Italiana.